We have a 4'x6' diffuser panel grid with 3 four foot long fluorescent fixtures above and want to take it all out and update the look with either track lighting or can lights. The ceiling in the kitchen is a drop ceiling for the most part except the 4'x6' light panel portion which goes up 10 1/2" inches inside above the diffuser panels (the diffuser panels are level with the drop ceiling below though). Any ideas? How about spacing if using the can lights?
The kitchen total size is 12 1/2' x 10'.

Just some thoughts -- I assume you are thinking about removing the entire drop ceiling in the kitchen, so that you have clear space up to the full height of ceiling, right? Cans are a good choice. You don't mention whether you have an island or kitchen table - if you do, consider pendants in those areas, although cans are fine too. As for spacing of cans - you want a line of cans over the counters, sink, and stove, about every 4 feet and with the can positioned over the work area without being blocked by upper cabinets. Try to place them within about 6 inches of the front edge of the counter. Be careful to not have the cans too far back towards the wall, or you'll get shadows from the upper cabinets. And also not too far out in front of the counter, or you'll have a shadow from your head onto the counter top as you are standing and working at the counter. You'll probably find that actual spacing between cans will be dictated by locations of ceiling joists and pipes or vents up there. You also want it to look reasonably symmetric about the kitchen sink, and stove, and one just in front of the fridge. You don't need as much lighting in the areas of the kitchen that are walking space (i.e. not work surfaces) - maybe one can every 6 feet or so, but in a kitchen that is 12 x 10 you may not need any more than what you have over the counters.. Hope this helps!

No the entire drop ceiling including up inside the recess was done very will with plaster and painted.
No island or kitchen table in the center just tile below.
I'll dig up a kitchen plan and upload it to make it easier to visualize. Thanks for all the input so far, I appreciate it.

I see - you are keeping the drop ceiling, and just want to replace the existing fluorescent fixtures, putting additional ceiling tiles in its place, right? That'll work - the only change from what I said earlier is that you'll proably want each can to each be centered in a ceiling tile. We actually have this in our finished basement and it looks fine.

I found my original cadd drawing and added the 4' x 6' upper area where the current lights are in.

Well the drop ceiling gives you a closed in feeling when you go into the kitchen so we thought that by eliminating the diffuser panels and letting the upper portion of the 4' x 6' area open up that it would make the kitchen feel better. That way the ceiling would now have two heights instead of just one at 7' high.

Do upper cabinets have a closed in soffit? If not think about lining top of cabinets with single bulb florescents.

I have 12 x 12 kitchen done this way and have no shadows and clean ceiling.

If u put in can light may look cluttered. Draw them into your plan and see if u can get a feel how it will look.

If after u do indirect lighting feel u need more, u can install under cabinet lights where needed. And under cab lights make great night lights.

Chuck

Yes they are closed in because of the ceiling being low (7'). I have been told that you have to be careful with can lights as they may start to look like a runway. I do have 3 cabinets below with under cabinet lighting by the way. That would look good using your idea though if I had some space above them, I would use that one if so. Thanks for the input. I need all I can get ahead of time on this project.

A lot of work,but u can remove soffit and install crown molding.

Will give a more spacious appearance.

Chuck

I wish I could but ceiling is not level across from one side to the other, either way you look at it. I had to install the cabinet closest to the ceiling and the rest when level leave an ever widening gap from the ceiling that I had fun closing in with some filler wood strips which was not cheap (solid maple like cabinets). I wish I had just torn the whole ceiling down and had it redone right when we bought the house.

Two thing come to mind... 1, install under cabinet lights where you can, and 2, use track lighting in the recess where you remove the flourescents. You can use several heads and point them where you want them.

We are leaning towards track lighting but I am worried about them trying to light the area while being in a recess. Track lighting would look the best though I bet.

The track itself can be mounted on a "downrod" of sorts. I've done it many times in commercial applications where the track needed to be a specific distance from the floor.
Ceilingfans are mounted from downrods, as an example.

Thanks for the input guys. I will take all into consideration.